Upgraded from a NX6325 to a DV2351, where is the performance?

I just got a DV2351 (T5300/2GB/120GB/LPL screen/Go 7200) as a replacement for my NX6325 (Sempron 3500+/2GB/60GB/ATI Xpress 1150). I wanted a more portable computer and was ready to accept a diminished battery time.

I was quite surprised to find out the poor graphic performance of the Nvidia graphics, I expected it to perform at least as well as the Xpress 1150, but I only get a measly 2,7 in Vista graphics rating.

I wanted bluetooth which wasn't an option where I bought it so I had to install it myself, this was not a simple task. Out of all notebooks I have taken apart this was probably the slot, I had to remove harddrive, dvd, screen, keyboard, top covers, ir/audio-card to install the module. All in all I think it was some 40 screws of 6 different dimensions to keep track of.

The keyboard is a dissapointment and not nearly as comfortable to use as in my previous computer.

But worst of all is the performance, it's slow to startup and the audio even stutters when starting some applications (like media center). I did not expect this of this computer.

What performance are you getting from the DV2000 with this CPU and Vista?

The screen is noticably better than the one in my previous NX6325 (I forgot to check the mfg on that one before selling it).

 

Were you also using Vista on your previous nx6325?

 

Yes, if I remember correctly I got a 3,5 rating for aero and a 3,2 for gaming graphics. I also just noticed that the power brick is emitting a high pitch buzzing sound, I wonder if I might have gotten a dud.

I would appreciate input on this.

 

I would give HP a call

 

The stock nVidia drivers are terrible, I always felt ATI had a better handle on Vista drivers even in beta form. I'm using one of the modded drivers from laptopvideo2go for my Go 7200. It does not change the pitiful Vista score of 2.7, but my 3DMark06 score went up over 40 points (big whoop, right? ).

Granted, the Go 7200 shows a relatively minor real-life improvement over my 128MB dedicated-version X200M (so I'd imagine the gap between it and your Xpress 1150 would be even smaller).

 

Vista ratings aside, I expected to get a real-world performance boost when going from the low-end Sempron 3500+ to the T5300.

I'm a bit torn regarding what to do, I can return it within 30 days and probably get a refund. But seeing as how I got quite a good deal on the DV2351 and other 14" laptops are kind of far between, I don't know what I could get instead.

I haven't had a Intel based based laptop in quite a while, but seeing as all the hype says the C2D runs more efficient and cooler than the AMD counterparts I feel like there must be some design flaw (or defect on my particular computer) on the DV2351.